Papers

A selection of papers and … other things.

 

The Art of Nature: Alchemy, Goethe, and a New Aesthetic Consciousness
Summary: 
This essay explores the building of a new aesthetic consciousness, working out of insights from alchemy, into a new aesthetic method of observing brought forth by Goethe, and ending with a brief mention of the way this stream was taken further with the works of Rudolf Steiner. I present an evocative picture of the development of this new consciousness, which Goethe felt dissolved the subject/object boundary, and give a series of images and related videos as a part of a brief practical example of how this consciousness can be developed. I invite you, the reader, to participate actively in your reading of this work, as if you were viewing an artistic piece, to get into a mood suitable for engagement with the content herein.

 

Rudolf Steiner and Sri Aurobindo: An Introductory Comparison
Summary:
This longer essay summarizes the basic elements of the spiritual-cosmological worldviews of two of the most important modern, integrative spiritual thinkers: Rudolf Steiner and Sri Aurobindo. Upon this foundation a brief comparison is made between the two systems and the two men.

 

Transforming Transformation: Sociological Considerations of a Background to an Alchemical Cybernetics
Summary:
This essay begins to explore concerns raised by the contemporary study of the sociology of knowledge to the potential inception of a discipline I am calling cybernetic alchemy.

Patterns in Process: Transdisciplinarity as a Background for Working with an Archetype of Transformation
Summary:
This paper explores the archetype of transformation found in the elemental cycle in the context of transdisciplinarian concepts. In it, I describe the basis of my inquiry into the elemental cycle, why it is important, some history of its development, and its situation in regards to a transdisciplinary framework.

The Elements as an Archetype of Transformation: An Exploration of Earth, Water, Air, and Fire
Summary:
My Master's Thesis for JFK University's Consciousness Studies Program.  A detailed exploration of a four-fold path of transformation, applicable to many realms.  It includes phenomenological and theoretical components as well as a practical introduction and training in how to use the elemental cycle for your own purposes.

When Minds Won't Stay Put
Summary:
A critical review of Andy Clark’s new book Supersizing the Mind: Embodiment, Action, and Cognitive Extension.

The Spiritual Matrix: An Anthroposophical Reading
Summary:
An in-depth, behind the scenes look at how anthroposophy provides a coherent, 'close' reading of the three Matrix movies.

Thinking Towards Freedom: Rudolf Steiner’s Epistemology and its Consequences for Human Freedom 
Summary:
Almost a summary of Steiner's works Truth and Knowledge and The Philosophy of Spiritual Activity (a.k.a. The Philosophy of Freedom), this paper explores the foundations of epistemology and the meaning of freedom.

Physics, Metaphysics, and a Whiteheadian Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics: An Exploration
Summary:
How might Whitehead have responded to modern quantum physics? Find out here!

Waking and Dreaming: Illusion, Reality, and Ontology in Advaita Vedanta
Summary:
A theoretical exploration of dreaming from the perspective of Advaita (non-dual) Vedanta, or: An exploration of the question, "How do you know when you are awake?"

Sleep and Dreams in Anthroposophy
Summary:
How spiritual science coherently links sleeping, dreaming, and waking by tracing the relations between the different aspects of the human organism. With predictions!

Zero: Thoughts on a Poem by Hafiz
Summary:
A short and powerful poem by one of the best Sufi poets.

The Cosmology of the Integral Yoga
Summary:
A look at the cosmology behind Sri Aurobindo's Integral Yoga and the work of Thomas Berry and Brian Swimme.

Reflections on the Reflexive Universe
Summary:
An analysis of Arthur Young's terribly interesting work.

Contemporary Life and the Esoteric Path of Anthroposophy
Summary:
How anthroposophy provides an appropriate path of esoteric development for modern seekers.

Ibn al-‘Arabī and the Oneness of Being
Summary:
An introduction to this difficult but quite important Sufi concept.

Audacity and the Esoteric Disposition
Summary:
A short work exploring the esoteric disposition and its connection to Eve.

Ghosts No More (a short work of fiction)
Summary:
What happens when the computer wakes up.

Graduation Speech: East Bay Waldorf School Class of 2008
Summary:
I was asked to speak at the East Bay Waldorf School's high school graduation in El Sobrante, CA, where I taught for four years. It was my honor to do so, and this is what I said.